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Arizona Bighorn Sheep

Unit 46BE (Peloncillo Mountains East)

Arizona Hunting Guide — Bighorn Sheep

Unit 46BE covers the eastern Peloncillo Mountains along the New Mexico border southeast of Willcox — a desert bighorn unit with ~5 tags against ~328 recent 3-year applicants. Habitat is classic southwest sky-island: Chihuahuan desert grasslands climbing into oak-juniper mid-elevations and rugged volcanic ridges at the top. Per AZGFD, 46BE is a rebuilding bighorn unit with tag allocation recently modest but expanding. Ram quality is good (160-175 class typical) and the unit sees minimal pressure thanks to remoteness and its position tight against the NM line.

Bighorn Sheep Hunting in Unit 46BE

Unit 46BE covers the eastern Peloncillo Mountains along the New Mexico border southeast of Willcox — a desert bighorn unit with ~5 tags against ~328 recent 3-year applicants. Habitat is classic southwest sky-island: Chihuahuan desert grasslands climbing into oak-juniper mid-elevations and rugged volcanic ridges at the top. Per AZGFD, 46BE is a rebuilding bighorn unit with tag allocation recently modest but expanding. Ram quality is good (160-175 class typical) and the unit sees minimal pressure thanks to remoteness and its position tight against the NM line.

Where to Find Bighorn in Unit 46BE

46BE rams concentrate on the highest and most rugged portions of the eastern Peloncillos.

Peloncillo Peak Area

The core high country around Peloncillo Peak holds the unit's best ram groups. Glass from BLM two-tracks approaching the range.

Granite Canyons

Deep volcanic canyon systems on the east side offer classic desert sheep glassing setups with long sight lines.

Water Developments

AZGFD catchments distributed across the range pull rams during dry periods. Coordinate with the unit biologist for current water status.

How to Hunt Bighorn in Unit 46BE

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Bighorn Sheep Success Rates

Rifle75%
Unit 46BE bighorn hunts run 85-95% success. Ram quality averages 160-175 B&C class. Lower horn-volume than premier units like 15BW or 16A, but a strong quality hunt with minimal pressure.

Bighorn Sheep Draw Odds

SeasonTagsApplicantsDraw %Pts Req
Rifle— General Rifle21041.9% 0
Rifle— Late Rifle Dec31690.0% 0

Data from 2023 draw results. Resident odds shown.

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Lifetime draw via the weighted bonus-point system with Hunter Education bonus. Only ~5 tags against ~328 recent 3-year applicants. Most successful applicants hold 20-25+ bonus points. Apply every year.

Unit Logistics & Expectations

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Frequently Asked Questions

How remote is Unit 46BE?
Very. The eastern Peloncillos sit tight against the New Mexico border with limited road access and no cell service in the interior. Plan as a backcountry hunt with full self-sufficiency.
What bonus points do I need for Unit 46BE?
Most successful applicants hold 20-25+ bonus points. The weighted bonus-point system with Hunter Education bonus means max points never guarantee a tag, but compound annual loyalty meaningfully improves odds.

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Sources & Verification

Every fact on this page is tied to a primary source below. Last fact-checked 2026-04-17.

  1. GMU 46B — Unit Landing Page — Arizona Game and Fish Department · supports: Peloncillo boundary, Desert bighorn habitat, Access · accessed 2026-04-17
  2. 2026 Arizona Hunting Regulations — Arizona Game and Fish Department · supports: Bighorn hunt structure, Tag allocation, Season · accessed 2026-04-17
  3. BLM Safford Field Office — Bureau of Land Management · supports: Peloncillo public land status, Road access, Dispersed camping · accessed 2026-04-17